The recent re-opening of the Museum of Modern Art offers an opportunity to reflect upon the nature of museums in our society. How can modern and contemporary art be made more accessible and intelligible for large and diverse audiences? Join MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry for “Rethinking the Modern: New Perspectives” in the second annual James T. Demetrion Lecture. Free and open to the public, seating is first-come. The series is made possible by the Friends of James and Barbara Demetrion Endowment Fund, a program fund established in 2001 to celebrate James T. Demetrion’s 17-year tenure as the Hirshhorn’s second director.

Media also are welcome to cover “Meet the Artist: Christoph Girardet” on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hirshhorn’s Ring Auditorium. Christoph Girardet will discuss and present selections from his films, including “Enlighten” (2000), a montage of lightning scenes drawn from movies. In addition to many solo exhibitions and special screenings, Girardet’s work has been featured in museum exhibitions, including “Cinema, Cinema” (1999), at the Stedelijk Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, The Netherlands and “Notorious” (2000), at the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, England. Free and open to the public, seating is first-come. Visit www.hirshhorn.si.edu for more information.

Note to media: To reserve a seat to cover this event, contact Gabriel Einsohn (einsohng@si.edu).